Culture

Best grown in deep, loamy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including average garden soils, but must have good drainage. Best sited in a location sheltered from winter winds (preferably a southern facing slope) and well removed from frost pockets. Self-pollinating. Grapes need a support system, training, regular spraying and regular pruning to maximize fruit production. For more detailed information on grape culture for the State of Missouri, see University of Missouri Extension publications on Home Fruit Production, Grape Culture (G6085) and Home Fruit Production Grape Training Systems (G6090), both of which are available for inspection or purchase at the Kemper Center Information Desk or on-line at www.muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort.

‘Chambourcin’ is not reliably winter hardy throughout USDA Zone 5.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Vitis is a genus of about 65 species of woody vines. Hybrid grapes are grown for a variety of purposes, primarily for making wine, but also as fresh fruit from the vine or dried as currants, raisins or sultanas. Vines are infrequently grown for ornamental purposes only.

Genus name is the Latin name for the old world vineyard grape (Vitis vinifera).

‘Chambourcin’ is a V. vinifera hybrid grape. It is commonly grown in the French Loire River Valley and Savoie for Claret-type red wines. It is also grown at some Missouri vineyards. This is a woody, deciduous, tendril-climbing vine. Panicles of fragrant, greenish flowers appear in spring. Dark blue-black grapes mature in mid-late season. Large, shallowly-lobed green foliage. Flowers are attractive to bees. Ripe fruit is attractive to some hornets and wasps.

Garden Uses

Grapes are primarily grown for fruit production in home fruit gardens where they provide little ornamental value to the landscape. However, grapes do in fact have good ornamental value: bold summer foliage, showy fruit, some fall color and shaggy, twisted trunking and branching often best seen in winter. When grown on fences, walls, trellises, arbors or other structures, grapes can be quite attractive year-round and can provide good cover, screening, or shade to areas around the home.